Asparagus Beetle – Identification

Q:
Q: We had beautiful asparagus for 15 years. Then 3 years ago we started to have a small insect, 1/4-3/8 inch long beetle, attack the new shoots.

They appear to suck out the juice and shrivel the spears while leaving a spike on the surface.

Sevin seems to slow them down but not get rid of them. Haven’t been able to get a decent crop since. What are they? Any remedy?

A: You have asparaguse beetles

There are a couple of control strategies. In winter remove every bit of debris from the asparagus bed. This eliminates hiding places for over-wintering adult beetles.

Examine emerging spears for small white eggs laid on the tips. Hand-pick any adults you see during the season. Carbaryl (Sevin) is labeled for asparagus beetle control. Be persistent with it and the other control strategies each year.

author avatar
Walter Reeves
  • Advertisement